FDA: Antidepressant risk higher among young

Using antidepressants increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior among young adults but lessens it for older adults, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.

The effects of antidepressants on 25- to 64-year-olds were mixed, and the FDA would only conclude the drug had a neutral effect on suicidal behavior for these people but possibly lowers the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The data came from a review of 372 studies involving roughly 100,000 patients and 11 drugs.

In 2004, the FDA ordered that strong warnings about the pediatric risk of suicidal tendencies put on antidepressant labels, and it began analyzing whether adults face a similar risk. It now appears there is an increased risk among adults ages 18 to 25, the agency said.

The analysis suggests the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior associated with treatment with the drugs appears to decline with age.